This month SO Magazine chats to Matt Elesmore, owner of The Green Duck Emporium and The Green Duck Event Space & Bar, both based in town, about all the places he likes to support locally. Here Matt reveals where he likes to stroll, shop and socialise….
Where do you live?
I live in Tunbridge Wells.
How long have you lived in the town and what made you decide to move here?
I have lived here since 2016. I decided to relocate after doing panto as Company Manger at the Assembly Hall Theatre. I was born in Cornwall and Tunbridge Wells and Kent remind me so much of the West County.
Where’s your favourite shop?
I’d have to say Jeremy’s Home Store, on Monson Road. There is everything you could possibly ever want in it!
And of course you have your own shops now…
Yes we have The Green Duck retail store in Royal Victoria Place as well as our Green Duck Event Space & Bar on Upper Grosvenor Road.
Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll?
I’d recommend Kingdom in Penshurst. Good walks, good food and good coffee.
Anywhere else you’d suggest to get a decent cup of coffee?
Anywhere that sells coffee from the amazing Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery, which is owned and run by Peter Sturdey.
Where do you take people when they visit?
The Amelia Scott is a must-see, along with The Pantiles.
What’s the night life like where you live?
There is a lot going on in Tunbridge Wells and there are some hidden gems such as The Guinea on Calverley Road. It does particularly good cocktails!
Where’s your favourite place to eat locally?
It has to be The Poet in Matfield. It serves absolutely stunning food and the service is amazing.
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go?
A walk in the woods at Pembury is a great place to get lost in for a few hours – this was a life saver during the pandemic.
Where’s the best place to meet friends and socialise?
Where do I start? There are so many! If I had to choose a few I would say Fuggles, The Glasshouse, Sankey’s Seafood Kitchen & Bar. We have a lot of amazing places in Tunbridge Wells and so it is hard to pick just one.
What do you do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?
Well I don’t get very much time off because there is a lot going on at The Green Duck, but if I do then it’s a night at the Hotel Du Vin. It’s great for a local staycation as it’s like going away but not going very far.
Why do you love where you live?
Tunbridge Wells is such a special place that we often take for granted. We forget what an amazing spot it is. There is so much right on our doorstep!
